Duration: Four days
Price point: Mid-range
Isle of Wight Bird Migration Weekend
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The chance to watch migration in action in an under-watched part of England
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Check in on the island's re-introduced white-tailed eagles
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Stay within cozy accommodation with the opportunity to start birding outside the front door
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Enjoy the Island's unique atmosphere
Few people go to the Isle of Wight for birding despite its unique geographical position at the southern extremity of England. It is the last and first port of call for many migrating birds travelling to and from continental Europe.
This tour is designed to explore areas of the island that are little-watched migration hotspots. And we just might find some interesting birds!
Over 320 species have been recorded on the island which consists of a variety of diverse habitats like saltwater estuary, freshwater marsh, coastal headlands, woodland, south facing chalk downland.
Despite being under-watched some amazing birds have been uncovered including Little Shearwater, Bulwer’s Petrel, Black Stork, Black Kite, Red-footed Falcon, Long-billed Dowitcher, European Roller, Little Swift, Radde’s, Dusky and Hume’s Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
The latest avian point of interest for the island is the recent reintroduction of the mighty White-tailed Eagle, after an absence of over 240 years. Three pairs were reintroduced at a secret location in 2019. Some of stayed, some have died and others have made incredible commutes including one that was seen sailing through London skies during the summer of 2019. We could bump into one of these birds at any point.
At a glance
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Location: Isle of Wight
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Group sizes: 6 to 12
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Trip type: Guided groups or privately guided.
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Season: Spring & Autumn
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Grading/difficulty: Easy
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Getting there: To Isle of Wight via ferry from Portsmouth.
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Pick-ups: Minibus transfer from Kew Bridge, London (extra £35) or meet at Eversley Hotel, Ventnor
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Age restrictions: Under 16 year olds must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
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Sustainability and values
Our partner encourages people to carry their water in reusable canisters and they avoid using unnecessary plastic. They also use locally sourced produce for packed lunches and visit independent shops or eateries. All tours are deeply routed in the local community - always employing local guides to assist leaders and using local produce and services.They aim to cut out unnecessary driving to try and reduce carbon emissions.
If you care about Climate Change, you'll care about carbon emissions from travel
All of the tours offered through Natural Britain have been assessed for the amount of carbon emitted and this is shown against each featured itinerary below. To help make sense of this figure, you can head over to our Carbon Emissions page for useful comparisons with overseas travel etc.
"Wildlife where you least expect it"
Our story...
Our partner's story begins 15 years ago when David Lindo launched as The Urban Birder.
David is a writer, broadcaster, tour leader, educationalist and speaker.
Featured Itinerary
Price guide
Isle of Wight Bird Migration
This tours runs on a group basis. Contact us for dates. Prices:
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£650 per person
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£35 for a transfer from London
Isle of Wight Bird Migration Weekend
We will be visiting the Isle of Wight during the prime time for spring migration in the UK. And whilst most birders will be treading the well-worn paths across the water on the mainland at Portland Bill and indeed, at the other famous hotspots across Britain, we will be like pioneers exploring the Isle of Wight.
There are many interesting sites to visit on the island so we will spend our days covering sectors of island and really getting to know the lay of the birding land.
Expected birds
Barn Owl, Black-tailed Godwit, Cetti’s Warbler, Common Kingfisher, Common Raven, Greenshank, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Mediterranean Gull, Peregrine, Stock Dove, migrants and possibly rarities.
The carbon impact of this trip is
38.1kg CO2e per person*
The above calculation shows the approximate amount of carbon that will be emitted by taking this trip (this does not include meals or getting to the destination). Details of how this figure is calculated can be found on our
Carbon Emissions page.
Availability very limited. Book today >>
